1897-O VAM-12

Description

Discovered in 2013 by Bill Wolverton, VAM-12 on the 1897-O Morgan Dollar is classified as III2 7-C3g with descriptors "Low Near Date, O Tilted Right" and die pair number 181. The obverse die state III2 7 features a date set low and further left than normal, deviating from the standard date position for the 1897-O issue. A prominent die marker consists of a polishing line visible in the lower hair gap of the right hair vee, providing an independent attribution reference point. The reverse die state C3g identifies a small (Type III) O mintmark positioned very slightly high and tilted to the right. The combination of atypical date placement (low and leftward) with a tilted mintmark creates a dual-diagnostic die marriage where both the obverse date position and the reverse mintmark orientation differ from standard parameters. The 1897-O Morgan Dollar was struck at the New Orleans Mint in 90% silver and 10% copper composition (26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter). The New Orleans Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909, was known for occasionally producing coins with less precise die alignment and mintmark placement compared to the Philadelphia facility, contributing to the variety of mintmark positions documented on O-mint Morgan Dollars. The 1897-O is a lower-mintage date in the Morgan series, and the combination of a scarcer date with distinctive die characteristics makes VAM-12 a notable variety. The hair vee polishing line provides the quickest screening diagnostic before confirming the date position and mintmark tilt under magnification.

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